Acnetret 20mg

Description

Acnetret 20mg belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. It works by targeting several key factors involved in acne development:

• Reduces Sebum Production: The most significant effect of isotretinoin is its ability to drastically reduce the size and activity of sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. By reducing sebum, isotretinoin makes the skin less oily and less hospitable for acne-causing bacteria.
• Prevents Pore Clogging: Isotretinoin influences how skin cells grow and differentiate. It helps to normalize the shedding of skin cells, preventing them from clumping together and blocking hair follicles, which are the initial step in acne formation.
• Inhibits Bacterial Growth: While not directly an antibiotic, the reduced sebum production and altered skin environment make it difficult for Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), the bacteria commonly associated with acne, to thrive.
• Anti-inflammatory Action: Isotretinoin also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the redness, swelling, and pain associated with severe acne lesions.

Acnetret 20mg is typically prescribed by a dermatologist due to its potency and potential side effects, especially its severe risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Patients, particularly females of childbearing potential, must enroll in a special restricted distribution program (like iPLEDGE in the US) to ensure strict adherence to pregnancy prevention measures. The capsules are usually taken orally with food to maximize absorption, and a typical course of treatment can last several months. The dosage and duration are tailored to the individual based on their body weight and the severity of their acne.

Common side effects often include dryness of the skin, lips (cheilitis), eyes, and nasal passages (leading to nosebleeds). Other potential side effects can include muscle and joint aches, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and temporary worsening of acne at the start of treatment. More serious but less common side effects can affect various organ systems, including the liver, blood lipids, and mental health, requiring regular monitoring by a healthcare professional throughout the treatment period.